Table of Contents
- Why You Need Private Insurance for Braces?
- Sun Life Health Insurance – Personal Health Insurance Plans
- Manulife Flexcare – DentalPlus Enhanced Plan
- Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life) – Health & Dental Plans
- Comparing the Best Insurance for Braces in Canada
- Things to Know before Buying Orthodontic Coverage
- Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
- FAQs
When it comes to orthodontic care in Canada, many families are surprised by the costs. Braces today can cost at least $3,000, but a quality dental insurance plan can significantly reduce that expense. Fortunately, several private insurance plans offer dental insurance coverage for braces in Canada, helping to reduce the financial burden.
To help you select a dental insurance company, we’ll explore the top 3 private health benefits for orthodontics, highlight the features of each plan, explore the insurance plans that cover braces, and explain why they’re among the best insurance for braces in Canada.
Why You Need Private Insurance for Braces?
While Canada’s public healthcare system covers many essential medical services, it typically excludes most dental and orthodontic treatments. This is where private insurance comes in—it helps ensure your family receives the care they need without breaking the bank.
When comparing orthodontic insurance, keep an eye out for these key features:
- High annual or lifetime coverage limits
- Little to no waiting period
- Coverage is available for both children and adults
- Nationwide accessibility
- Simple and transparent claims processes
Let’s take a closer look at the top picks.
Sun Life Health Insurance – Personal Health Insurance Plans
Sun Life is one of the most trusted names in Canadian dental insurance. Their Personal Health Insurance packages are especially popular for families seeking orthodontic benefits.
Key Features
- Covers up to 60% of orthodontic costs
- Lifetime maximum of $1,500
- Three plan levels: Basic, Standard, and Enhanced
- Optional add-ons for additional coverage
- Easy digital claims process
Sun Life offers several personal health insurance (PHI) plans with dental coverage of different levels:
- Basic Plan: This covers 60 percent of preventive dental care procedures with a yearly limit that tops off at $500.
- Standard Plan: Covers 70 percent of the cost for preventive and basic dental services, along with $750 annual maximum limit.
- Enhanced Plan: The Enhanced Plan offers the most comprehensive dental insurance coverage, including major dental services and higher reimbursement rates; the premiums are the highest for this plan.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Sun Life’s Enhanced plan is flexible and robust, making it ideal for families looking for long-term orthodontic support. It’s one of the most comprehensive options on the market today.
Manulife Flexcare – DentalPlus Enhanced Plan
Manulife’s Flexcare DentalPlus Enhanced Plan offers versatile coverage designed for both individuals and families.
Key Features
- Covers 50% of orthodontic expenses.
- Manulife’s Dental and Dental Plus options under Flexcare cover 50% of orthodontic expenses (including braces), with a lifetime maximum of $1,500 to $2,000 per person.
- 12-month waiting period before coverage begins.
- No medical questionnaire is needed to enroll in the basic plan.
- Customizable coverage options.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Manulife is known for its adaptable plans. Whether you're just starting or want to tweak your coverage later, Flexcare offers the flexibility to grow with your needs.
Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life) – Health & Dental Plans
Canada Life offers strong dental insurance options, especially for individuals with employer-sponsored benefits or customized personal plans.
Key Features
- Orthodontic coverage of up to 50%.
- Lifetime maximum typically ranges from $750 to $1,000.
- Available to both kids and adults.
- Minimal paperwork and a user-friendly online platform.
- Wide network of providers across the country.
Why It’s a Top Pick
Canada Life is particularly appealing to individuals who receive group benefits through their employer. Their plans often outperform others in terms of flexibility and coverage.
Comparing the Best Insurance for Braces in Canada
| Features | Sun Life | ManuLife | Canada Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage % | Up to 60% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% |
| Lifetime Max | $1,500 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Waiting Period | None–6 months | 12 months | Varies |
| Adult Coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Claims | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Things to Know before Buying Orthodontic Coverage
- Read the Fine Print: Some policies only cover children or require pre-authorization.
- Watch for Waiting Periods: Most plans have 6–12 months before you can claim benefits.
- Lifetime Maximums: Orthodontic coverage usually has a one-time cap, not an annual one.
- Plan Portability: If you move or change jobs, ensure your insurance remains valid or transferable.
Who Should Consider Private Dental Insurance for Braces? (H2)
- Parents with kids nearing orthodontic age
- Adults planning to get braces or aligners
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals without group benefits
- Anyone wanting to save on long-term dental and orthodontic costs
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
Whether you're planning for your child or yourself, the right private insurance plan can save you thousands on orthodontic treatment. Sun Life, Manulife, and Canada Life each offer excellent plans tailored to different needs.
Take the time to compare policies, read user reviews, and consult a licensed insurance advisor to ensure you pick the best orthodontic insurance. With the right plan, achieving a healthy, confident smile won’t come at the cost of financial stress.
FAQs
1. What is the best private dental insurance for braces?
Top private insurance plans for braces in Canada include Sun Life, Manulife Flexcare, and Canada Life. They offer orthodontic coverage with up to 60% reimbursement and lifetime maximums of $2,000.
2. Does insurance pay for braces in Canada?
Yes, but only through private insurance plans. Public healthcare does not cover braces. Many Canadian dental insurance providers offer orthodontic benefits, especially for children.
3. Who has the best dental insurance in Canada?
Providers like Sun Life, Manulife, and Canada Life are considered among the best dental insurance options in Canada, offering customizable plans that include dental insurance coverage for braces.
4. How much of the braces' cost is usually covered by private insurance?
Most private insurance plans cover 30% to 60% of orthodontic treatment costs, up to a specified annual or lifetime maximum (e.g., $1,000–$2,000). Pre-approval may be required, and some plans have a 12-month waiting period before benefits kick in.
Citations:
Abdelrehim, M., & Singhal, S. (2024). Is private insurance enough to address barriers to accessing dental care? Findings from a Canadian population-based study. BMC Oral Health, 24(1), 503. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04271-0
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Moharrami, M., Sano, Y., Hu, X., Clarke, J., McLeish, S., & Fortin, Y. (2024). Assessing the association of dental insurance with oral health care access and utilization in Canada. Statistics Canada, 82‑003‑X, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x2024004-eng
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Badewy, R., et al. (2025). Exploring the association between dental insurance coverage and dental care utilization and oral health among elderly Ontarians. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 85(1), 92–101. https://doi.org/10.1111/jphd.12657
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Li, Q., Du, M., Knight, J. C., Yi, Y., Wang, Q., Wang, P. P., & Zhu, Y. (2023). Dental insurance coverage, dentist visiting, and oral health status among Asian immigrant women of childbearing age in Canada: A comparative study. Healthcare, 11(19), 2666. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11192666
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Rosen, B., et al. (2020). Providing dental insurance can positively impact dental visiting behaviours and oral health status outcomes. BMC Health Services Research, 20, 124. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-4967-3
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